When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To live (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to live" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to live in a big city.
Living (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "living" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Living in the moment is important for happiness.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To live (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To live is a basic human need.
To live is a basic human need.
- "*To live*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human need).
- 2Object
She wants me to live with her.
She wants me to live with her.
- "Me *to live* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to live* with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a comfortable place to live.
He needs a comfortable place to live.
- "*To live*" modifies the noun "place."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a comfortable place *to live*).
Living (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Living a healthy lifestyle requires discipline.
Living a healthy lifestyle requires discipline.
- "*Living* a healthy lifestyle" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (discipline).
- 2Object
They enjoy living in a vibrant city.
They enjoy living in a vibrant city.
- "*Living* in a vibrant city" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (They) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*living* in a vibrant city).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for living an adventurous life.
She has a passion for living an adventurous life.
- "For *living* an adventurous life" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *living* an adventurous life).
Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects
The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects
Example
They plan to live in the countryside after retirement.
I hope to live near the beach someday.
We want to live in a peaceful neighborhood.
She decided to live abroad for a year.
He chose to live in a small town for a simpler life.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys living near nature.
Experts recommend living a balanced lifestyle.
She avoids living in crowded cities.
Can you imagine living in a remote village?
They are considering living abroad for a few years.
